Translator: 549690339
Troll Palace.
The night was deep and quiet, with a faint fragrance in the air, that of the Blue Bellflower.
This flower is one of the few that can grow under the extreme climatic conditions of the Sky Ice Plain. When in bloom, it seems like an vast expanse of blue ocean.
Therefore, it has become the national flower of the Troll Empire.
Prince Okamoto stands in front of the window, watching the vague lights outside, his thoughts unknown.
The fragrance of the Blue Bellflower constantly seeps into his nose, gradually calming his agitated mind.
âYour Highness, arenât you going to sleep?â Queen Nala appeared behind him and asked in a soft voice.
âYou go to sleep first.â Prince Okamoto turned his head and smiled lightly.
âAlright.â Nala obediently nodded and quietly retreated.
The queen, who was born into a branch of the St. Hilde family, was cautious in this foreign land. Fortunately, Prince Okamoto treated her quite well.
The only thing that left Nala unsure whether to be happy or worried was that Prince Okamoto had never touched her.
Honestly, Nala, of course, couldnât accept the appearance of a troll. But if she couldnât bear a child for Prince Okamoto, she felt that she had no support in this cold palace.
When she heard that the Dark Cavalry had reached the Royal City and even killed Modo the Second, she was undoubtedly excited. But at the same time, a deep fear seized her â
Would the trolls vent their anger on her?
She dared not confess these thoughts to Prince Okamoto, for she knew that while the young Southern Prince respected her, this respect seemed more distanced and cautious.
Of course, Prince Okamoto was unaware of the Queenâs worries. However, even if he knew, he probably wouldnât care.
At this moment, he had his own troubles.
Prince Okamoto gazed at the darkness before him, his deep eyes seemingly wanting to penetrate the darkness, searching for the figure he was eagerly waiting for.
âPrince Okamoto, good evening.â
Finally, an old voice sounded behind Prince Okamoto.
In an instant, Prince Okamotoâs spirits lifted, his eyes glimmering.
âMaster Squein, good evening!â
A troll wearing a black witch doctor robe stood quietly behind Prince Okamoto. His whole body was shrouded in a green mist, obscuring his features. Only from his old voice could it be determined that he must be quite old.
Seeing this witch doctor Squein, Prince Okamotoâs attitude instantly became extremely respectful.
Because this was the leader of the Troll Empireâs War God Church â the White Wolf Witch King.
The position of witch doctors in the Troll Empire is similar to that of priests in the Glorious Empire. They donât possess much combat power, but firmly control the faith of the numerous citizens of the Troll Empire, and also hold the legacy of the God-blessed profession of the Troll Samurai.
Although the White Wolf Witch King led a low-key and reclusive life, never participating in the politics of the Troll Empire, and not even showing his face when foreign enemies invaded,
However, if he did appear, it would certainly have a significant effect on the political situation of the Troll Empire.
Moreover, the Troll Emperorâs coronation ceremony was also to be presided over by the White Wolf Witch King Squein.
âI heard Modo the Second has fallen at the hands of the Dark Cavalry?â
Squinâs voice was so low, but it penetrated into Prince Okamotoâs ears clearly carrying a heart-shaking effect.
âYes, His Majesty was unfortunately killed by Colin Angler.â Prince Okamoto gave an honest answer.
âHmm.â Squin nodded slightly, his tone nonchalant as if he was indifferent to this news, âThen who do you think should inherit the throne?â
Facing such a blunt question from the White Wolf Witch King, Prince Okamoto was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure, respectfully saying:
âI believe that Prince Abbas is the most suitable to be the next Emperor.â
Squin remained silent, his cold gaze scanning Prince Okamotoâs face as if inspecting something.
The long silence made Prince Okamotoâs heart beat erratically, feeling as though the White Wolf Witch Kingâs gaze was tangible, like a poisonous snake crawling back and forth on his body.
Finally, Squin withdrew his gaze and said matter-of-factly, âI suppose you know Prince Abbasâs political leanings? Do you really think the empireâs throne should be inherited by a weak prince who advocates human culture?â
Prince Okamoto maintained his composure and responded, âSir, I believe that under the current situation, a temporary resolution with the North Territory might be the best option.
Furthermore, the North is currently in the midst of civil unrest. Whether the St. Hilde family can hold onto their position as rulers of the North is still uncertain. At this moment, we should avoid direct confrontation and recuperate.â
Squin was silent for a while before asking, âIs it Prince Abbas currently conducting peace talks with the Dark Cavalry?â
âYes, and Prince Abbas has made significant progress. The Dark Cavalry has made further concessions.â
âReally? It seems that Colin Angler has shown great respect to Prince Abbas.â Squinâs tone was inscrutable.
âOf course, the Dark Cavalry is probably eager to return and deal with the turmoil in the North. They donât want to waste their time here. And Prince Abbasâs consistent political stance will help to quickly reach a peace agreement. After all, Viscount Angler would also like to see Prince Abbas ascend the throne.â
âHmph! Since when did the Troll Empireâs choice of ruler depend on the opinions of the Northerners?â Squin said coldly, and without waiting for Prince Okamoto to speak, he asked an unrelated question, âPrince Okamoto, you donât have any heirs yet, do you?â
âNo, not yet.â
âThatâs good. Modo the Secondâs son is still young and shouldnât lack guidance. Why donât you take him in as your adopted child and tutor him well?â
Prince Okamoto seemed to realise something, his heartbeat missing several beats. He quickly replied, âOf course, I will strive to be a qualified father.â
Squin nodded in satisfaction, then casually said, âI hope you can not only become a good father but also a good emperor.â
âWhat?â Prince Okamoto looked up in surprise.
âYes, I intend to nominate you as the heir to the throne.â The smoke surrounding Squin quietly dispersed, revealing a face full of wrinkles.
In his deep gaze, there was a strong sense of encouragement for Prince Okamoto.
âBut ?but ?after all, I just lost a hundred thousand troops and even caused the death of Emperor Modo II outside the Royal City â
âThe blame for these failures should not solely fall on you. Besides, I can accept a clumsy emperor, but I cannot tolerate an emperor who bows and scrapes!â
Squinâs gaze turned sharp as an arrow, âIf we really let Prince Abbas ascend the throne, it wouldnât take long before the Troll Empire becomes a vassal state of the Shining Empire, and even the noble bloodline of the Volkin Family will be tarnished by human blood!â
Prince Okamoto lowered his head, seemingly unable to face Squinâs gaze. He vowed solemnly, âSir, I understand your point. Rest assured, I will never touch that human princess!â
Squin nodded approvingly and reassured him, âDonât worry about your past failures impeding you, I will convince the Troll nobility for you. You should remember that the Troll Empire can bear momentary failures, but must not give up its backbone!â
Prince Okamoto gave a shiver, instinctively straightening his back, meeting the piercing gaze of the White Wolf Witch King, he said aloud,
âYes, I will always remember your teachings!â